John Mousinho rotated his side and benched Callum Lang, Josh Murphy and Freddie Potts – only to find themselves 3-0 down after just 35 minutes.
Anis Mehmeti grabbed two and Rob Dickie the other as the hapless Blues were battered by their Ashton Gate hosts, yet still the visiting fans sung of winning 4-3.
The game died in the second half, with City already having won it as it remained 3-0 – and here are our Pompey player ratings...
5. Connor Ogilvie - 4
The most defensively sound of the back four, which isn’t saying a lot. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Owen Moxon - 4
(Replaced by Freddie Potts on 64 mins) Handed his second Championship start of the season and found it tough. Overrun, out-fought and badly struggled to impose himself. Looked shattered before he came off. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Andre Dozzell - 4
Always wants the ball, always wants to get things moving, but was swallowed up by the City midfield. Instead spent the afternoon chasing lost causes. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Matt Ritchie - 4
(Replaced by Callum Lang on 64 mins) Recovered from a dead leg at Watford on Boxing Day and delivered his usual enthusiasm and commitment, but little came off. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages